Annual ritual of gembel hair cutting was held yesterday 1st July 2012. The ritual was led by Mbah Naryono, the head of local adat. There were 5 children cut in this ritual. Many enthusiasts come to Dieng Plateau to see this event.Gembel hair cutting ritual is held to help parents with gembel hair to hold ritual which is considered as expensive and as well to boost local tourism.

Gembel or natural dreadlock or rasta hair is a one and only phenomenon in the world. Gembel starts to grow when Dieng children is one or two years old followed by fever until the gembel hair grows. Gembel hair is believed to be commended by Nini Ronce Kala Prenye for girl and for boy is commended by Ki Kolodete. On cutting ritual usually the children will have request which should be prepared parents on the cutting day.

The ritual was started from the head of local adat house and then proceed to Darmacala site at Dieng Plateau nearby Pandawa temple complex. At Darmasala complex, the five gembel children were bathed with flower. Afterwards the cutting ritual which was held at Pandawa temple complex, notably in front of Yudhistira temple.

When the cutting process was ongoing, the children was umbrella-ed as in that very time, and the children are considered in a spiritually danger situation. The gembel hair then cut by local figures. In front of the temple, there are various offering and provision such as bucu or tumpeng with local crops, ayam ingkung, traditional cookies, various water in cups, rice, fruits and many more. Including the main condition, the request of the children such as bicycle, goat, and rooster.

Tumpeng made of local crops then was then contested by the audiences. They believe that the offering could give them blessing. Few people having children asked for rice of offering to elder for blessing.

After the cutting ritual then few village elders brought fruit, rice, and hairs to Warna Lake to be drown. This final sequence was started by a prayer and incense lighting.

Gembel Hair Cutting Ritual Exclusive Photos

no images were found

This bathing place is one of Singasari remains. It was used by kings of Singasari. The springs of this bathing place are spread and the volum is quiet big. Administratively located in Watu Gede village, Singosari, Malang, East Java.

According to locals, Watu Gede bathing place was the bathing place of Kendedes. This was chosen as nestled on a valley. Oneday when Kendedes bathed and guarded in few layers, but Ken Arok, later became her husband,  could still peep her.If this was true then this site was built around 11-13 th century. The draft of the site is rectangle from north-south and on the east side there are 9 jaladwara.

mblusuk.com

A report written by Nicolaus Engelhard on 28 February 1827 reported that he found temple in Singosari in 1803. It reports 6 statues from this temple, including Durga and Ganesha. He left Agastya as the condition was bad. In 1804, the statues were sent to Holland.
From the report, Singosari area was forest. 17 years later in 1820, D Monnereau found 4 temple buildings nearby Singosari temple including Pradnyaparamitha or Kendedes. JB Jukes visited the temple in 1844 said that one of the remple on the south of Singosari temple was called as Cungkup Putri. Later he considered that Cungkup Putri was the real place of Pradnyaparamitha or Kendedes.

From the reports, Candi Singosari was part of a complex. Later in Pararaton mentioned that there was a sacred building in Singosari where King Kertanegara for tantri ceremony. The comples lies from south to north and possible that Singosari temple is the main temple. Dr Oey Blom said that the comples consists of 9 temples according to sacred building concept in that period. Unfortunately only the main temple left, while the other are gone and changed to settlements, road and sawah that retrace the complex is not easy to do.

From all the temples in SIngosari only agastya statue and pair of Dwarapala located 200 meters west of the temple can still be found on the original location. WHile the other were moved and kept in Nationam Museum Jakarta (Ken dedes), Trowulan (Cumundi) and Leiden ,Holland (Durga, Ganesha, Bhaiwara) and the other are missing.

PRADNYAPARAMITA STATUE

According to locals, Pradnyaparamita, a statue allegedly resided in Singosari temple was stored in Holland for long time and now is one of collection in National Museum, Jakarta is Kendedes statue, the queen of Singasari and ancestor of Majapahit who was very beautiful, as written in Pararaton and Mula Malurung inscription.

The statue is actually the manifestation of goddess of wisdom and knowledge in Buddha called as Pradnyaparamitha. This statue was the most refine and beautiful statue ever found in Indonesian archaeology. It is 1.26 meters and made of andesit. She sits on a lotus and her both hand creating dharmacakramudra gesture or rotating world wheel. There is decoration of lotus stalk on her left hand and the flower base a holy book. She leans on a beautiful chair based on lotus. Her body is full of ornaments from ankle, tummy, hand, breasts, neck, ears, body to her crown. While her lower body is covered by textile, like batik. What a majestic statue. Probably this was the real picture of princess.

Her hand gesture shows dharmachakramudra or rotating the world wheel or key of cause and effect. This is the typical of Biddhist and as shown on statues in Borobudur. While on the left there is a lotus twin from her left hand. On the lotus tip there is a holy book called Pradnyaparamitha-sutra or the main wisdom.

The creator of the statue made this in detail and very elaborate delineating the mixture of peacefulness and the lul of expression her face in Buddhist gesture in shining jewellery on her body. In Indonesia there is no theory about self portrait on statue, except probably this statue which shows self portrait which shows a goddess with human face and worldly jewellery. Actually this statue is the only statue of self portrait before self portrait concept emerges among experts.

Unfortunately, the real place of this statue is still mystery. Current Singosari temple can not be the place for this statue as Singosari is a Sivaistic temple while Pradnyaparamitha is a Buddhist statue. So it is clear that one of the religious building in SIngosari complex as shown by Engelhard finding in 1827 is not far from Candi Singosari. The complex was not only completed with Hindu temples but also BUddhist as indicated by Pradnyaparamita statue. This is compatible with King Kertanegara, an adherent of Siva-Buddha and Tantra.

Namun demikian belum sepenuhnya benar seandainya patung Pradnyaparamita ini merupakan potret Kendedes. Kakawin Negarakertagama (67 ; 1-2 dan 69 ; 1) menyebutkan bahwa ratu Gayatri didharmakan sebagai Pradnyaparamitha dan candinya disebut Pradnyaparamithapuri. Gayatri adalah salah satu dari 4 putri Kertanegara dan menjadi istri terkasih dari Kertarajasa sang pendiri kerajaan dan dinasti Majapahit. Sementara itu, menurut kitab Pararaton, disebutkan bahwa pendeta Lohgawe yang merupakan penasehat spiritual Ken Arok menyebut Kendedes sebagai Ardhaneswari atau wanita utama dan mengacu pada dewi Parvati yang cantik jelita.

BHairawa
THis statue is probably still stored in Leiden, that it is less recognize. The statue was found by Engelhard in 1827, with other statues.

Though old books in Indis do not have reference regarding the explanation about how perfect this statue is, but the appearance and attribute of this statue is one of Siva manifestation in scary form and called as Bhairawa. He stands on heap of skulls and he squats as if he sits on wold back. He has for hands each holding keris, shot spear, tambour and human skull. He wears long dangling necklace decorated with skull, so are his earrings , left and right arms decorated with skull ornaments.

His mimic and eyes are bulging and his mouth is open shows his canine teeth. This statue shows scary mimic very obviously. He leans on a board with old Javanese alphabets says cakra-cakra. Unfortunately, left part of the board is gone that the real writing can not be revealed.

Jessy Blom and P.H. Port suppose that this statue was located on the south of Singosari temple that now is gone. In pararaton, there is a Purwapatapan where King Kertanegara did Tantri ritual. In their opinion Bhairawa is located in Purwapatapan as written in Gunung Buthak inscription (1924) as Sivabuddhalaya or where Siva-Buddha reside. GF Brummund argues that the building consists of 3 chambers. Parwati (Pradnyaparamitha) is located on the south, Camundi on the north and Bhairawa in the middle. So Bhairawa is flanked by a scary and beautiful goddess.

There is no data for whom this statue made. Yet LC Damais could convince that there are two names .closely related to Bhairawa personification. They are Adityawarman who ruled Sumatra or Kertawardhana later known as husband of Tribhuawatunggadewi and the father of Hayam Wuruk, the glorious king of Majapahit. The real name of Kertawardhana is Cakradhara or Cakresvara.

CAMUNDIT

In 1927, a farmer of Ardimulyo village, north of Sinfosari found and kept a statue. But he orfetn had nightmare and bad luck. As he was afraid that it was because of the statue, he destroyed the statue, but fortunately, a Dutch collector could save it and compiled the statue fragments, though not intact as there were few fragments missing. The statue lied around the yard of Singosari temple but now stored in Trowulan museum. That is Camundi statue. She has 8 hands, flanked by other figures : Ganesha and Bhairawa. On the back, it has inscription 1214 Saka or 1292 says “tatkala kaprastisthan paduka bhatari maka tewek huwus sri maharaja digwijaya ring sakalaloka manuyuyi sakaladwipantara’. Batari Camundi was ordained when Sri Maharaja Kertanegara won in the entire region and conquered other islands (LD Damais)

In Negarakertagama Pupuh 42, : King Kertanegara could be a glorious king as he could conquer Bali, Pahang-Malaysia, Sumatera, Gurun, Bakulapura, Sunda, and Madura. That was the seed of Nusantara. Though there is no primary evidence that those regions were conquered and only symbolical in that period, but Kertanegara ruled Java and Sumatera. Six years before, in 1286, he sent messenger to Sumateta and could erect Amoghapasa there as symbol of Singosari sovereignty in Sumareta.  Sumatera king was Mauliawarman was still the king as maharaja yet Kertanegara later entitled as Maharajadiraja.

DURGA MAHESASURAMARDINI

In old India stories, Markandeya Purana and Matsya Purawa , tell about fight between giants of Asura led by their king Mahisa against gods led by Indra, and finally the giants could defeat the gods troop and they pronounced that they are the ruler of Kahyangan. Brahmaled the loss gods asked Wisnu and Siva favor. They both agreed to help and from the mixture of powerful both main gods, goddess Durga was born. And other gods gave her their weapons that Durga could defeat the giants. Finally Durga fought with Asura who was like cow. She stands on the cow and killed him. But later emerged a small giant from the death cow body, which is the core power of Asura and again Durga could finish it.

Durgamahisasuramardini statue usually is placed on the north of Siva HIndu Temple, and she has 2 to 10 arms, yet commonly she has 8 arms as according to story gods gave her their weapons to fight Mahisa, that in Purana literature the weapons were more than her arms (hands). So sometimes Durga statue sometimes have different weapons with other Durga statues. In Bali, Durga carved holding Balinese kris. But commonly Durga holds same weapons.

In Javanese archaeology, Durga is pictured as she a bit relax after defeating Mahisa and Sura. Fifferent than Durga in India. Position and gesture of Mahis tends to left with bended legs. Mahisa looks like he surrender and as if he is the ride of Durga and not like the enemy of gods which is scary giant in Indian concept.

From Durga statues discovered in Indonesia, Durga statue from Singosari temple is known as the most beautiful and more majestic. This statue is stored in Leiden now. The statue is 1.5 m height and beautifully decorated. Her body , nandi and small giant on the lower left.

Though few parts are gone, but her body and head is still intact. Her crown is very beautiful. She wears anklet, belt, bracelet and earrings. The interesting about this statue is that she wears kemben / bustier and the kemben shows the curve of her body. And her lower body is covered with long textitle decorated with royal attributes. And the most interesting thing is that her textile has batik motive, that probably Batik has been recognized since Singasari period. Other beautiful Durga statue was found in Candi Jawi, now this is kept in Mpu Tantular Museum, Surabaya. Though not as beautiful as that found in Singosari and smaller but this statue is intact.

GANESHA

In India mythology, Ganesha has human body and has elephant head. His ivory is broken and has 4 arms, 2 at the front and 2 at the back. In the mythology, Ganesha rides a mouse, Vighnesvara means destruction blocker. Therefore every time Indian start work, they worship  Vighnesvara to avoid disasted and difficulties.

This statue was found by Engelhard in 1827 in Singosari temple and is stored in Leiden. This statue is made of andesit and placed on the east of Singosari temple. The height is 1.3 meters, ganesha looks beautiful and strong. As other Ganesha statue, it has 4 hands holding ax, hanger and upside down skull. He sits on pedestal decorated with 10 skulls.

Ganesha from Singosari temple is the manifestation of King Kertanegara. It has 10 skulls on pedestal as symbol of the ultimate of Kertanegara , 10 mai codes of Buddha called as Paramita : dhana (derma), sila (tata susila), ksanti (sabar), virya (perwira), dyana (samadi), prajna (kebijaksanaan), upaya kausalya (upaya sarana), pradinata (teguh), bala (kekuasaan), and jnyana (pengetahuan).Kertanegara was a religious person knows religion principals. The unique about this Ganesh is that this Ganesha sits with one of his leg creating 90 deg. His head has 3 levels of crown and on top creating stupa as symbol to honor of honor from Kertanegara to Buddha, beside adhered Sivaistic belief.

He has 4 arms, holding coconut skin full of jewellery, coconut skin filled with blood absorbed by his trunk. This is symbol that Singosari was very prosperous and still learns about religion. Other hand holds key and ax. This symbolizes that Kertanegara kept sovereignty of Singosari and destroying enemies.  This is as written in Negarakertagama by Prapanca.

By cradha ritual principal held annualy, it is logical that Singosari temple was built after the death of Kertanegara or in the period of Majapahit, not in Singosari period. This can be seen from the back rest of Ganesha statue. On left and right side of Ganesha crown there is a round decoration layered with cornered circle on the outside. In archaeology this pattern is called as sunrise of wilwatika. This decoration was used as official symbol of Majapahit and also as Majapahit period product.

Historian argue that Ganesha is symbol of wisdom or knowledge or the god of happiness. No wonder is Institute Technologi Bandung used Ganesha as symbol.

Ranggalawe was one of Raden Wijaya followers, the founder of Majapahit Kingdom but he died as  the first rebel in Majapahit history. Tuban people remember him as a hero until today.

Kidung Panji Wijayakrama and Kidung Ranggalawe mention Ranggalawe as son of Arya Wiraraja, Songenep (Sumenep) Regent. He lived in Tanjung, on western part of Madura Island.

In 1292, Ranggalawe was send by his father to assist Raden Wijaya to open Tarik Forest (west of Sidoarjo), to be a settlement called as Majapahit. It said that Ranggalawe name was given by Raden Wijaya, Lawe is a synonym of wenang means yarn or power. Ranggalawe means power given by raden Wijaya to lead him to open the forest.

Ranggalawe prepared 27 horses from Sumbawa for Raden Wijaya and his men ride to fight against Jayakatwang , king of Kediri. Assault to Kediri was done by Majapahit and Mongol troop in 1293. Ranggalawe ws in the assault and killed Sagara Winotan.

After Majapahit collapsed, Raden Wijaya became the king of Majapahit. According to Kidung Ranggalawe, he then was promoted as the regent of Tuban, the main harbor on East Java in that period. Kudadu Inscription from year 1294 listed Majapahit officials meritorious in the beginning of Majapahit, but Ranggalawe was not mentioned there. Only name of Arya Adikara and Arya Wiraraja. According to pararaton, Arya Adikara was the other name of Arya Wiraraja, but acccording to Kudadu, both are different person.

Muljana identified Arya Adikara is the alias of Ranggalawe. In Javanese tradition there was nunggak semi term : means father’s name could be used by son. So Arya Adikara, alias of Arya Wiraraja, later was used as title of Ranggalawe when he was promoted as Majapahit official. IN KUdadu Inscription, the father and son were as pasanggahan  with title of Rakryan Mantri Arya WIraraja and Rakryan Mantri Dwipangga Arya Adikara.

Pararaton mentions that Ranggalawe rebellion was in 1295, but it was told after the death of Raden Wijaya. According to this text, the rebellion was at the same time when Jayanegara became king. While according o Negarajertagama, Raden Wijaya died and replaced by Jayanegara in 1309, that expert say that Ranggalawe rebellion was in 1309, not 1295.

Negarakertagama also told that in 11295 Jayanegara was promoted as yuwaraja or young king in Daha. Kidung panju Wijayakrana abd Kidung Ranggalawe clearly tell that Ranggalawe rebellion was in Raden Wijaya period not Jayanegara.

Other facts, Arya Wiraraja and Arya Adikara were mentioned in Kudadu inscription in 1294, but later both were not mentioned at all in Sukamreta inscription date back 1296. This was probably a sign that Arya Adikara or Ranggalawe probably died in 1295 while Arya Wiraraja resigned after his son died.

So Ranggalawe;s death was in 1295 on Jayanegara coronation as young king. In this case, Pararaton did not make mistake the year, only it did on the event. While in Negarakertagama, things are more accurate, bit does not mention Ranggalawe rebellion at all. This was because Negarakertagama is a laudation that Mpu Prapanca, the writer, did not mention a hero rebellion which he considered as a disgrace.

In pararaton, Ranggalawa rebelled against Majapahit as he was tricked by a evil official, Mahapati. This story was written elaborately in Kidung Panji Wijayakrama and Kidung Ranggalawe. This was caused by the dissatisfaction of Ranggalawe as Nambi was promoted as rakryan patih. In Ranggalawe opinion, patih position should be given to Lembu Sura as he was more meritorious than Nambi.

Ranggalawe was a brave and emotional man, he came to meet Raden Wijaya in the capital and asked Nambi to be replaced by Lembu Sora. Yet Sora did not agree with that instead of supporting Nambi as patih. As his request was ignored, Ranggalawe made chaos in palace yard. Sore adviced Ranggalawe, his own nephew, to apologize to the king. Ranggalawe went home to Tuban.By the  sly Mahapati, Nambi was told that Ranggalawe was making a plan to rebel from Tuban. By the king permission,Nambi led Majaphit troop accompanied by Lembu Sora and Kebo Anabrang to punish Ranggalawe.

Knowing that Tuban was about to assaulted, Ranggalawe prepared his troop. He intercesped Majapahit troop nearby Tambak Beras river. The battle went on. Ranggalawe fought with Kebo Anabrang in the river. Kebo Anabrang could kill Ranggalawe with a very vicious way, by torturing him. Seeing his nephew died, Lembu Sora killed Kebo Anabrang by backstabbing him. This colleague murder later caused Sora’s death in 1300.

Pedigree of Ranggalawe
Kidung Ranggalawe and  Kidung Panji Wijayakrama tell that Ranggalawe had two wives, Martaraga and Tirtawati. His father in law was KI Ajar Pelandongan. From Martaraga he had a son Kuda Anjampiani. Both texts writes that Ranggalawe’s father was Arya Wiraraja.While in Pararaton, Arya Wiraraja was Nambi. Kidung Harsawijaya also mentions that Wiraraja’s son who was sent to assist Tarik forest opening, was Nambi, while Ranggalawe was Singasari kingdom officer that later became the first patih of Majapahit.

Kidung Harsawijaya is proven to be wrong as according to Sukameta inscription 1290, the first patih of Majapahit was Nambi not Ranggalawe. Nambi’s father, according to Kidung Sorandaka was Pranaraja. Brandes considers Pranaraja and Wiraraja were same person. Yet according to Muljana, Nambi was the son of Pranaraja, while Ranggalawe was the son of Wiraraja. This was signed by the appearance of Arya Wiraraja and Arya Adikara in Kudadu inscription and both disappeared in Sukamreta inscription.

In folklore, Ranggalawe was recognized in Serat Gamarwulana or Serat Kanda that tells that Ranggalawe lives on same period as Damarwulan and Minakjinggo. Damarwulan is a fiction character, as there is no history evidences and no inscription mentioning him. In folklore Ranggalawe was adipati of Tuban and also the warlord of Majapahit in the period of queen Kencanawungu. When Majapahit was attacked by Minakjinggo, Blambangan adipati, Ranggalawe was assigned to stop him. IN the war Minakjinggo could not kill Ranggalawe as he was covered by a weapon, an umbrella. Minakjinggo then  kill the weapon holder, Wongsopati. After that Minak Jinggo could kill Ranggalawe. Ranggalawe had two son Siralawe and Buntarlawe they were regent of Tubana nd Bojonegoro.

Bibliography:
Muljana, Slamet. 2006. Nagarakretagama dan Tafsir Sejarahnya. Yogyakarta: LKiS.
2005. Menuju Puncak Kemegahan. Yogyakarta: LKiS.
2005. Runtuhnya Kerajaan Hindu-Jawa dan Timbulnya Negara-Negara Islam di Nusantara.
Yogyakarta: LKiS. http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranggal…_pemberontakan

Translated from sejarah-puri-pemecutan.blogspot.com

 

Gayatri Temple is remain of Hindu, located in the middle of settlement in Boyolangi, Tulungagung, East Java. On the stairs there are number depicted 1289 Saka or 1367 and 1291 Saka or 1369, probably the numbers refer to the construction year.

This temple is believed to be the grave of Gayatri or Sri Rajapatni the fourth wive of Raden Wijaya, the first king of Majapahit and mother of Sri Gitarja or Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, the grandmother of Hayam Wuruk.

Boyolangu was mentioned in Negarakertagama, as Bayalangu / Bhayalango (Bhaya means danger, alang means to block) as place to purify. Here is the translation from negarakertagama:

In Boyolangu village, Boyolangu, there is Gayatri Temple. This temple is place to temple-ize Gayatri (Sri Rajapatni), Prajnyaparamitapuri was the name of the grave temple built Sri Padukapatni blessed by the priest Jnyanawidi, who is old, comprehend tantra, collecting religion knowledge as the incarnation of Empu Barada, enliven The King;s heart (Pupuh LXIX, verse 1)

In Bayalangu will be built also grave temple of Sri Rajapatni , again Priest  Jnyanawidi is assigned to bless the land. The plan has been approved by the menteri demung , his name is Boja Wisesapura, if the temple is perfectly built. (Pupuh LXIX, Verse 2)

She was the daughter of Kertanegara, the last king of Singasari. All of Kertanegara daughters married to Raden Wijaya, and Gayatri was the most beautiful princess. This temple structure is square, the entrance is on the west, and the complex has main temple and two perwara temple on south and north. The main temple is 11.40 m x 11.40 m,  and there us a Gayatri statue of 1.1 m x 1 m x 1 meter.

The north perwara temple has two Yoni each yoni’s  tap is supported by dragon head, ganesha and a jaladwara,IN other perwara temple has Nandi statue, Dwarapala statue and Mahisasuramandhini statue, the temple is completed with andesit block material.

Candi Jawarombo is located in Mulyosari village, Ampel Gading, Malang, East Java. This temple was found  buried under ground surface in 1983 on 1400 m asl. This temple is located on 6m x 6m x 6cm. square structure and on the square there are 4 pillars pedestal made of andesit block. Probably this shrine used wooden pillars with thatched roof as roof tile fragments are not found here.

The temple’s foot had half circle and rectangle. The four sides are decorated with lotus, pilaster, and cross relief. The temple is also decorated with 5 lotus, 4 crosses and 10 pilasters intermittently. Carving of a human in relief is depicted like wayang, and the style of relief is like that of the end of Majapahit as can be seen on remains on slope of Mt penanggungan in Mojokerto, East Java.

Jawarombo Temple faces Mt Mahameru peak. The entrance is on the south indicated by the remnants of stone gate.

 

Candi Gentong is in same complex with Candi Tengah and Candi Gedong. As considered as having great role in Majapahit Kingdom reconstruction, the authority did excavation. On the excavation they found stupa and Buddha statues. The facts about the temple draft is unique, even the most unique in the world.

Gentong temple has 3 structure of 3 square centered. The first square, the smallest size, is 9,25 meters. The second square is 11.40 meters and the third square is 23.5  meters.

According to carbon dating analysis, this temple was built in 1370, in the period of Hayam Wuruk (1350-1370). From archaeological findings, Candi Gentong there was a relatively big stupa in the center and surrounded by smaller stupas.

Jawar Temple is located on the southern slope of Mt Semeru, East Java, to worship Hyang Pasupati. According to various source this temple was found by local in early 1980s. It said that this temple was used by ascetics, spiritual figures, kings including Raden Wijaya to worship God.

This temple is a building with 5 pillars. On its terrace there are 12 pillar pedestals that according to locals, they was carved with elephant decoration. Candi Jawar was possible a hall or pendopo agung where priests or kings discuss and prayed for Nusantara to Hyang Pasupati who was believed to reside on top of Mt Semeru. This view is related to location of Candi Jawar facing west to the sun rise and southwest facing Semeru peak.

There is also a site not far from the temple believed as former site of  Mbah Wali, the temple caretaker and a spring located 1 km from the temple.

This temple is located i Ungah unggahan village, Trowulan. In the location there are andesit blocks, the remains in temple yard covering 2370 m2. This temple is also known as Sanddar Pamelengan as there was a woman statue with half fish body and a statue popular as Minak Jingga statue. This statue is now placed in Museum in Mojokerto. On Feb to Nov 1977 an excavation was undertaken and found 3 layers of old foundation.

Minak Jinggo and Damarwulan story is popular in Central Java, it is about Minak Jinggo who wants to marry Queen Kencana Wungu fron Majapahit. The queen rejected him as he was ugly face and behavior. The queen then undertakes contest, and whoever who could defeat Minak Jinggo would be given a prize. It was Damarwulan who could defeat Minak Jinggo.

There is Troloyo Cemetery in Trowulan recognized as the grave Kencana Wungu. But according to experts they are the graves of moslem in Majapahit period, from 1295-1457.

Not far from Troloyo, located a temple believed to be the grave of Minak Jinggo, from Majapahit period if seen from its decoration.

Gajah Mada was the Mahapatih of Majapahit in its glorious period. He was estimated to be born in 1300, on slope of Mt Kawi- Arjuna, currently recognized as Malang , East Java. Since his childhood, Gajah Mada had shown good behavior, strong and skillful. His intelligent drew a patih of Majapahit attention and made him as one of his student. Later Gajah Mada became a bekel or head of Bhayangkara troop (secret service). As he could save King Jayanegara (1309-1328) and solved Ra Kuti Rebellion, he was then promoted as the patih of Kahuripan in 1319. Two years later he was promoted as patih of Kediri.

Ra Kuti Rebellion
Gajah Mada was a mahapatih of Majapahit agreed by Indonesian historian as someone who could unify Nusantara. There are Majaoahit remains show evidence on this opinion, such as in Trowulan, the former capital of Majapahit. IN Sumbawa Island, there was a copy of Negarakertagamam found.

The most bloody rebellion in Gajah Mada period was when Sri Jayanegara reigned, the second king of Majapahit. The rebellion was committed by Dharmaputra Winehsuka led by Ra Kuti- Garan Mada colleague, could made Jayanegara lost his throne for temporary and left to carst mountain on the north called as Bedander.

Ra Kuti, Ra Tanca, Ra Banyak, Ra Wedeng, and Ra Yuyu were considered as meritorious knights, that Jayanegara gave them honor title as Dharmaputra Winehka to the five knights. Later Ra Kuti led rebellion against the palace by persuading Jala Rananggana troop to support him. In that period Majapahit had 3 unit of divisions of troop called as Jala Yudha, Jala Pati, Jala Rananggana. Each was led by Tumenggung position. Gajah Mada was only a bekel, only higher than lurah knight, but lower than Senopati. One level above Senopati was Tumenggung, the highest position.

Gajah Made was the head of company to secure palace. This company is called as Bhayangkara with total member less than 100, yet this unit has outstanding quality. The information about the rebellion was given to Gajah Mada by a person that was allegedly had close relation with the rebellion. After receiving the information, Gajah Mada coordinated Bayangkara troop. In ther period the mahapatih of Majapahit was Arya Tadah, who was close to Gajah Mada. Gajah Mada also did coordination with head of units, which was not easy for a bekel as he had to meet persons with higher position, but Arya Tadah had gave him kepatihan badge for this duty.

Two of the head of unit could be informed, but they both had different gestures. Jala Yudha supported palace while Jala Pati was neutral. Jala Rananggana was away from palace for an assault. Later there was a battle among the troops and palace lost, rebel won. Jayanegara was evacuated by Bhayangkara.

But not all Bhayangkara members were on the king’s side, this made the evacuation complicated that Gajah Mada decided to take the king to Bedander. Finally Gajah Mada could used power and network he got, and could return the king to his throne. But nice years later one of Dharmaputra Winehsuka given mercy after involving in that rebellion could poison the king to his death.

Sadeng Rebellion
In 1392, patih of Majapahit, ARyo Tadah (Mpu Krewes) resigned from his position. He appointed Gajah Mada from Kediri as his predecessor. Gajah Madad did not agree wit this as he wanted to do more service to Majapahit by conquering Keta and Sadeng which doing rebellion to Majapahit. But Keta and Sadeng were finally could be conquered. Gajah Mada was finally inaugurated as Rakryan patih by queen Tribhuwana Tunggadewi in 1334.

When he was inaugurated he officially announced his political program, popular as Sumpah Palapa or Palapa Vow. The vow was depicted on a text in Pararathon.
‘Sira Gajah Madapatih Amangkubhumi tan ayun amuktia palapa, sira Gajah Mada: “Lamun huwus kalah nusantara isun amukti palapa, lamun kalah ring Gurun, ring Seran, Tañjung Pura, ring Haru, ring Pahang, Dompo, ring Bali, Sunda, Palembang, Tumasik, samana isun amukti palapa’
Translation:
‘He is Gajah Mada, Patih Amangkubumi does not quit fasting. He is Gajah Mada,’ If could conquer Nusantara, I would quit fasting. If conquering Gurun, Seram, tanjung Pura, Haru, Pahang, Dompo, Bali, Sunda, palembang, Tumasik, I would quit fasting’
From that text, Nusantara regions mentioned in Sumpah Palapa had not been conquered by Majapahit.
Place translation:
Gurun = Nusa Penida
Seran = Seram
Tañjung Pura = Tanjung Pura Kingdom in West Kalimantan
Haru = North SUmatera (possibly refered to Karo)
Pahang = Pahang in Semenanjung Melayu
Dompo = Dompu
Bali = Bali
Sunda = Sunda Kingdom
Palembang = Palembang or Sri Wijaya
Tumasik = Singapore

It said that when gajah Mada announced his vow, the audiences surprised and few people laughed such as Ra kembar and Warah. Gajah Made got rid of them as according his political view, officials promoted by previous king slower his pace to unify Nusantara, as kingdom was too busy with rebellions committed by those officials. Regions conquered by Gajah Mada are; Bedahulu (Bali) and Lombok (1343), Palembang, Swarnabhumi (Driwijaya), Tamiang, Samudra Pasai, and other kingdoms in Swarnadwipa (Sumatra). Pulau Bintan, Tumasik (Singapura), Semenanjung Malaya, and several kingdoms in Kalimantan such as Kapuas, Katingan, Sampit, Kotalingga (Tanjunglingga), Kotawaringin, Sambas, Lawai, Kandangan, Landak, Samadang, Tirem, Sedu, Brunei, Kalka, Saludung, Solok, Pasir, Barito, Sawaku, Tabalung, Tanjungkutei, and Malano.

This unifying concept, war between kingdoms decrease and Majapahit ruled with motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika, tan Hana Dharma Mangrwa and each kingdom focus on making more prosperity for its people. And Majapahit was more powerful than that foreign power threat was changed as profitable trading and cultural relationship.

Here are records of Gajah Mada achievements:
-Silence Ra Kuti Rebellion
-Gajah Mada could succeed transformation after Jayanegara died, and palace was troubled as it has no royal prince, the climax was conflict of Cakradara and Kudamerta.
-Silence Sadeng Rebellion in 1331.
-Sumpah Amukti Palapa could unify Nusantara even until the south of The Philippines.
-Publishing Law of Majapahit Kingdom.

Gajah Mada is also a law expert. He made law book as base of Majapahit called Kutaramanawa, based on Kutarasastra (older law book) and Hindu law of Manawa sastra adapted to local culture.

Though he was young when promoted as Mahapatih, people trust him for his loyalty to his king and country. He had saved Jayanegara from Ra kuti rebellion and returned the king to his throne. And because of Gajah Made leadership, political rivalry between two knights, husbands of princess could be silenced that the shift of king was smooth.

Keta and Sadeng were regions of Majapahit which tried to separate and they made serious preparation. They recruit civilians and trained to be soldiers at Alas Lawang and with the power they would try to attack Majapahit. Gajah Mada considered that Majapahit should make step to minimize the cost to silence Keta Sadeng rebellion.

Keta-Sadeng power was not as big as Majapahit’s troop. Yet Keta Sadeng was protected by former protector of Raden Wijaya, the first king of Majapahit, Wirota Wiragati, who was famous for his magic power. It said that he could make people sleep, and power to create mist to block enemy’s vision. Finally for Gajah Mada’s strategy, the rebellion could be finished with minimum expenses.

Aftee Keta-Sadeng, Gajah mada then promoted as mahapatih replacing Arya Tadah. In that period Majapahit had a relationship with Swarnabhumi, and its king, Adityawarman came to Gajah Mada inauguration as Mahapatih. Swarnabhumi came to Majapahit with gigantic ship that Majapahit did not have such ship yet.
Adityawarman was the cousin of Jayanegara and he had close relation with Gajah Mada. Seems that the ship of Swarnabhumi was the beginning of technology adopting that later making Majapahit as a big maritime kingdom.

Bubat War
This war was the black sheet in Majapahit history and is a negative side of Gajah Mada political career. The source of this was was written in Pararaton, but Negarakertagama does not mention at all about this war. Majapahit had became powerful maritime kingdom, and its navy was led by Admiral Nala. Gajah Mada could persuaded kingdoms in Nusantara to make strong power against Tartar troop which intended to extend its region.

Nusantara was mostly consist of ocean that Gajah Mada developed Majapahit’s maritime power. While region like Tumasek/ SIngapore, Tanjungpura, Bali, Dompo to Seram had become part of Majapahit, its neighboring regions Galuh (Now Ciamis) and Sunda pakuan which are located on the western part of Java did not join Majapahit yet.

As a powerful kingdom, Majapahit could force Sunda Kingdom easily, but Gajah Mada did not choose bloody action over the kingdom led by king Lingga Buana. Sunda Galuh east border to Majapahit was Pamali river. While the west border of Sunda Galuh was Sunda Pakuan area, along Citarum River. Palace members, especially Tribhuana Tunggadewi did not agree with Gajah Mada plan to conquer Sunda as Sunda is their relative,their family, as according to family pedigree, one her ancestor was a Sundanese royal.

King Hayam Wuruk supported Tribuana Tunggadewi. Dyah Hayam Wuruk Sri Rajasanagara (Raden Tetep) grew up that he sould find himself a queen. He sent a drawer to neighbors kingdom and subordinate kingdoms to draw beautiful princesses and later shown to the king. After many drawings shown, the king did not feel suitable with any of them. Until when there was a drawing of Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi, princess of Sunda Galuh, who was popular for her beauty.

King Lingga Buana agreed that his daughter to marry Hayam Wuruk. On the date, Lingga Buana, queen and palace officials went to Majapahit to take Dyah Pitaloka for her wedding in Majapahit. They were not accompanied by troop as it is for marriage purpose. On Bubat, they were intercepted by Gajah Mada messenger that Dyah Pitaloka should be given to Majapahit as a tribute, as a mark that Sunda Galuh obeyed Majapahit. King Lingga Buana felt that his dignity was ignored by Majapahit. Eventually, a fight could not be avoided. All of Sunda Galuh members died including the king and queen. Princess Dyah Pitaloka killed herself. For that, Hayam Wuruk took back Gajah Mada’s position as Mahapatih.

Madakaripura Waterfall is believed to be the place when Gajah Mada isolated himself after Bubat war. Gajah Mada role was very paramount to Majapahit and even greater than the king himself. Firing Gajah Mada could create upheaval in Majapahit regions. In Gajah Mada opinion, Bubat was not his fault and not even Majapahit’s fault. Majapahit was the kingdom that protect and give umbrella to other kingdoms that they should obey Majapahit. Majapahit should not take any kingdom specially, not even to Sunda. If the king chose to pick peace way, Gajah Mada the other way, militarily.

The peaceful way was by marriage. Gajah Mada asked kingdoms to unify to gain power to defense against Tar tar who intended to extend its region southward. Maritime fleet of Majapahit protected trade ships in Nusantara and protected Nusantara from Tar Tar assault.

Bubat incident did not make Sunda Galuh built military power to attck Majapahit, as they love peace. Yet, individually, several people who were loyal to Sunda king decided to commit revenge quietly. They later formed a tayub dance troupe and departed to Majapahit to kill Gajah Mada. This quiet movement was planned by Sundanese to enter Majapahit palace. Every member of the troupe should speak Javanese and skillful about Javanese arts. The beauty of the dancers are their main weapon. Their plan was almost succeed when a lurah of knights who was very loyal to Gajah Mada could be trapped.

In pararaton, after Bubat, Gajah Mada went  away to avoid Hayam Wuruk anger. But in 1281 Saka or 1359, he came with Hayam Wuruk group to visit Lumajang. This is also written in Negarakertagama pupuh 18/2 that in 1284 Hayam Wuruk held Srada ceremony to honor Gayatri, Gajah Masa as patih amangku bumi dedicated a sad beautiful princess statue under Nagapuspa circling Rajasa.

In pararaton, after Bubat, Hayam Wuruk was sick as he was sad for the failure of his wedding with Dyah Pitaloka. But as time went by, the King then prioritized government sustainability. On second period of patih position, Gajah Mada did not make any remarkable achievement as probably because of tiredness, old age and disappointment. He was not as active as his first period mahapatih position. In his second period, Gajah Mada was involved in Hayam Wuruk’s inspection as written in Negarakertagama such as: To Pajang on 1275 Saka , to Lasem on 1275 Saka , to pajang on 1279 Saka and to Lumajang on 1281 Saka. But on the last visit Gajah Mada did not come with the king

Hayam Wuruk appreciated Gajah Mada as wise, and loyal  Mahamantri Agung. The king gave him Madakaripura village with nice scenery located in Tongas Probolinggo. There was an opinion that in 1359, Gajah Mada was promoted as patih again but he ruled from Madakaripura. In Negarakertagama, after Hayam Wuruk returned from religious ceremony in Simping, he found Gajah Mada was sick. Gajah Mada died in 1286 Saka or 1364. Hayam Wuruk was touched and mourning for the death of Gajah Mada. Gajah Mada’s death was written by Prapanca in Negarakertagama  in Pupuh LXXI/I. In Pararaton, Gajah Mada died in 1290. Regarding this, Negarakertagama is more accurate as Prapanca lived in Gajah Made period.

Here is dialogue by a sidekick with Gajah Mada:

‘ I was a child when pranyatan kemardikan (javanese for proclamation or independece, concomitant when Raden Wijaya was inaugurated as the first king of Majapahit) of Majapahit was all over. I still remember when suddenly people talked about Wilwatika. Wilwatika was expected as a gigantic kingodom.’

‘Who am i? People call me as Gajah Mada. But no one knows where i am from. Where am i from? Some said that my name is Gajah and i am from Mada villafe. Some said i am from Bali. I have decided to keep this in me, no one needs to know about me and my parents, my children and where i was buried. My name was recognized since i became knight in Majapahit and responsible to secure palace and guarded palace family members.’

‘I was lucky as i was at the right place when chaos of Ra Kuti happened. I was succeed saving the king and returned him to throne taken by Dharmaputra Winehsuka, i was promoted as Patih of Kahuripan , assisted Princess Breh Kahuripan or Sri Gitarja. later i was appointed as patih in Daha assisted Princess Breh Daha or Dyah Wiyat.

My close relation with Uncle Arya Tadah, Patih Amangkubumi of Majapahit showed me that i was in the right time and place. I was asked to replace him as he was sick.  I suddenly realized that my opportunity to be on that high position was high. While there were many candidates deserved to be new mahapatih.There were few mahamenteri on katrini lines who deserved this more than i did.’

Yet, i did not take that offer quickly. I knew there were many people deserved more and meritorious more for this position. To Uncle Arya Tadah, i asked him if i could finish two rebellions first, Sadeng and Keta. If i could finish those rebellion i would say i do for that position.  I announced my vow to unify Nusantara signed by taking off Aksobhya and replaced with gupala Camunda.

Since then, i spent my time to unify Nusantara. One by one, i asked kingdoms to join. They should realize, unity and integrity was paramount as from outside, Tartar always tried to find chance put influence as experienced by Singasari. Fortunately, King Kertanegara did the right thing, he cut ear of Tartar messenger and had the messenger hair cut bald.’

‘So that something like that would not happen again, there was only one solution, all kingdoms should unify under Majapahit. No matter how strong  Tartar was in its land, but not here. If thousands if Tartar sent, Majapahit would be ready to counter same number. To unify all Nusantara regions was not enough only by sitting in chair, behind desk and giving order. I was so sure about that, there is no other choice but to get rid of hamukti wiwaha lust’

‘Hamukti Wiwaha is anything to do with worldly pleasure. Enjoying high position and grade, enjoying life without bujana handrawina (Javanese for party) were things i could do when i was mahapatih represented the king. Yet, it was not hamukti wiwaha i took. I chose the antonym, Hamukti Palapa. Onlu lara lapa (suffering) spirit or palapa could take me to my dream. I would not eat palapa fruit, or spices. No matter what they said, hamukti palapa choice i took was to prihatin (suffer). WIthout suffer, a prayer would not be granted by God. a hardwork would not yield a result. BY prihatin behavior and hamukti palapa hardwork, one by one strands of zamrud in Nusantara could be realized. Few kingdoms i asked to unify, agreed to join. Yet there were kingdoms i asked few times and by perforced should be threatened. If those kingdoms did not agree to join, for them only one word left: assaulted. My wars were everywhere, in Bali, Tumasek, Luwuk, Tanjung Pura, Dompo to Riau. Finally Majapahit became big. Heavy burden if  borne together would be easy. With co-own sea fleet, foreign force tried to stick power could be driven away. Unity and integrity of Majapahit gave excellent impact such as the disappearance of  war among subordinate kingdoms. All problems could be solved in Tatag Rambat Bale Manguntur on an annual  assembly. ‘

‘Then a problem came from Sunda Galuh. I was not content with Sunda Galuh attitude which still rebel, did not agree to join Majapahit. In an assembly, i said the importance of assaulting Sunda Galuh and forced it to join Majapahit. Yet, i met a difficulty for the disagreement of Ibu Suri (queen mother). Their excuse was her ancestor was from Sunda Galuh. I believed there will no big deal assaulting Sunda Galuh as this kingdom  prioritized on peace. But to conquer Sunda Galuh i should face the king’s intention to marry the daughter of Sunda Galuh’s king, Dyah Pitaloka Citaresmi. ‘

‘Bubat was mismanage situation i did. Honestly, i should regret this. If only i was patient a bit, the unity would happen as well. The situation was out of control as Sunda Galuh King had no guts, but he had self esteem. I needed long time to admit that incident should not happen.

With My spirit to develop Majapahit, i had stained myself with hamukti palapa. I avoided the glitter of the world. I avoid worldly lust, including avoided having wife. This great dream took a hard work, i did not want to be distracted by wife’s sob, or children’s cry. To have no wife and children was such a hard  choice. Yet i am thankful i could do that. With the freedom i had, i could be anywhere, long enough , and nothing made me home sick. Moreover, i expected what i did could perfect the end of my life in spirit of hamukti moksa (Javanese for disappearing, did something for others)’

‘Let people remember me as Gajah Mada, without any clear background, no parents, no grave, no children information. Let Gajah Mada disappear, moksa without trace, turns to air.’

 

In Pupuh 12/4, Prapanca wrote in his kidung  ‘On the north east is Gajah Mada house, patih Wilwatika, a Menteri wira, wise and loyal to king, eloquent, smart, honest, calm, persistent, skillful, and intelligent, right hand of king who protected life of the world.”

The origin of Gajah Mada was from Sumatera, some say. As it is the only Island in Indonesia which has Elephant. Dara Petak was from Dharmasraya kingdom located in Sumatera. Afer finishing Pamalayu expedition, Mahesa Anabarang took Dara Jingga and family and Dara Petak returned to Java to meet Kertanegara, the king who sent him. Kertanegara had died when he arrived and Singasari was destroyed by Jayakatwang, king of Kediri.

Dara Petak, Dara jingga’s sister then was dedicated to Raden Wijaya. Raden Kalagemet or Sri Jayanegara  , second king of Majapahit, was born from Dara Petak. Other word, second king of Majapahit was the nephew of mahesa Anabrang and cousin of Adityawarman, the founder of Pagaruyung Kingdom.

According to the above information, can be concluded that when Mahesa Anabrang took Dara Jingga and Dara Petak from Sumatera to Java, Gajah Mada was in the group and guarded the princess as knight from Damarsraya. Or perhaps Gajah Mada was assigned specially to accompany Dara Petak. Finally he settled in Majapahit, as her princess became the queen of Majapahit.

Below the patih of Majapahit in Pararaton:
Mahapatih Nambi (1294 – 13162)
Mahapatih Dyah Halayuda (Mahapati) (1316 – 1323)
Mahapatih Arya Tadah (Empu Krewes) (1323 – 13344)
Mahapatih Gajah Mada (1334 – 1364)
Mahapatih Gajah Enggon (1367 – 13946)
Mahapatih Gajah Manguri (1394 – 13987)
Mahapatih Gajah Lembana (1398 – 14108)
Mahapatih Tuan Tanaka (1410 – 1430)
Pararaton and Negarakertagama are trustworthy. Gajah Mada was mentioned in Singhasari inscription 1351 as Mahamantrimukya Rakryan Mapatih Mpu Mada

Source:
Poesponegoro & Notosusanto (ed.). 1990. Sejarah Nasional Indonesia Jilid II. Jakarta: Balai Pustaka
R.M. Mangkudimedja. 1979. Serat Pararaton Jilid 2. Jakarta: Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, Proyek Penerbitan Buku Sastra Indonesia dan Daerah
Slamet Muljana. 2005. Menuju Puncak Kemegahan (terbitan ulang 1965). Yogyakarta: LKIS
Slamet Muljana. 1979. Nagarakretagama dan Tafsir Sejarahnya. Jakarta: Bhratara
“http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gajah Mada”

Translated from sejarah-puri-pemecutan.blogspot.com